Ruthless Leaders: ‘Their Oppression and Death’

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh. History teaches us a lot. Indeed, it is rewarding for our conscious and consequently for our life in this earth and hereafter if we learn about the ‘Ruthless leaders’, ‘their atrocities/brutalities’ and ‘death’. I have put a list below about some notorious ruthless brutal leaders in history for you to learn about them and their consequence. Please note that this list is neither exclusive nor arranged according to hierarchy of brutality. Leaders like Firaun, Nimrud, Abu Jahl, Abu Lahb, Musailamah Kazzab, Abdullah Ibn Ubai are surely ferocious and their death too is exemplary for us.

Bou Azizi burned himself due to oppression of the rulers of Tunisia

Please read below and compare the present day leaders with them and think about the consequence:

10. Attila the Hun
Identity: The ruler of the Huns from 434 until his death in 453.

Attila the Hun

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: He invaded Western Europe and did not hesitate to execute anyone who came in his way. His most famous method of torture was tearing the victims apart by their limbs.

Death: Killed by wife.

9. Emperor Hirohito of Japan
Identity: He was the 124th Emperor of Japan according to the traditional order, reigning from December 25, 1926, until his death in 1989.

emperor hirohito

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: When Japanese involvement in World War II is mentioned, the first thing that comes to our mind is the ‘Rape of Nanking’ a name given to a six week massacre of Chinese civilians by Japanese troops. This six week carnage claimed around 300,000 lives. 20,000 women from age 8 to 70 were raped before being put to death. Pregnant women weren’t even spared.

Death: Duodenal Cancer and continuous internal bleeding.

8. Saddam Hussein
Identity: The fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003.

Saddam Hussein

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: Also known as the modern day Hitler, Saddam was infamous for using chemical weapons in war against Iran, invading Kuwait in the Gulf War and destroying all its oil fields and of course for torturing and killing people on his human shredder.

Death: He was executed by hanging on the day of Eid-ul-Adha, on 30th Dec 2006.

7. Genghis Khan
Identity: The founder and Great Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongol Empire, was infamous for his ruthless massacres of the defeated populations and he found much pleasure in other’s despair. The following quote which has been ascribed to him is enough to give us an idea of what a terror he must have been:

“Happiness lies in conquering one’s enemies, in driving them in front of oneself, in taking their property, in savoring their despair, in outraging their wives and daughters”.

Death: Supposedly killed by a princess.

6. Idi Amin Dada
Identity: The military dictator and third President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979

Idi amin dada

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: His solution to erase tribalism in Uganda was simple, murder the tribes. Over the years, Ugandans would disappear in the thousands, their mutilated bodies washing up on the shores of Lake Victoria. Besides being a murderer, he was also a cannibal, something which he was actually proud of. His dictatorship, which lasted till 1979, claimed 100,000 to 300,000 lives for which he never showed any remorse.

Death: Kidney failure.

5. Pol Pot
Identity: A Cambodian Maoist revolutionary who led the Khmer Rouge[3] from 1963 until his death in 1998. From 1963 to 1981.

Pol Pot

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: former leader of political party ‘Khmer Rouge’ ruled Cambodia as Prime minister from 1976-1979 and in these 3 years his government claimed up to 3 million deaths! Being a communist himself, he wanted a communist future for Cambodia, therefore Buddhist monks, Western-educated intellectuals, educated people in general, people who had contact with Western countries, people who appeared to be intelligent (for example, individuals with glasses), the crippled and lame, and ethnic minorities became victims of his terror. He had special killing fields set up for mass execution of these people. Many also died due to forced labor, starvation and disease.

Death: Allegedly committed suicide.

4. Ivan IV of Russia
Identity: The first ruler of Russia to assume the title of Tsar in 1547.

Ivan IV

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: During his rule he built a wall around the city of Novgorod making its inhabitants prisoners in their own city. He did that because he thought that the chiefs of Novgorod were going to attack Poland. But his viciousness did not stop here, everyday between 500 to 1000 people were gathered from the city and were tortured and killed infront of him and his son. He was also responsible for the miscarriage of his daughter-in-law, whom he physically abused for dressing up immodestly, and the death of his son, whom he accidentally struck with a pointed staff during the argument that preceded after his daughter-in-law’s miscarriage.

Death: Poisoning.

3. Vlad Tepes
Identity: Prince of Wallachia, Romania (1431–1476) and three-time Ruler of Wallachia, Romania, ruling mainly from 1456 to 1462.

Vlad tepes

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: The famous vampire character ‘Dracula’ was inspired by this evil prince of Wallachia, Romania who found immense pleasure in torturing people. Even though he used all forms of torture like burning, boiling, cutting off the limbs, mutilating sexual organs, driving nails in head and skinning etc, his most popular method or you could say his favorite one was impalement which is why he is also known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’.

Death: Assassinated.

2. Adolf Hitler
Identity: He was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and dictator of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945

Adolf Hitler

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: Leader of the Nazis, this German dictator was responsible for the Holocaust during the Second World War in which over 14 million people, including 6 million Jews were put to death through mass gassing, starvation and exhaustion and disease resulting from slave labor. Death squads were also formed to shoot Jews in masses. Besides the Jews, homosexuals, gypsies and hippies were also targeted during the Holocaust.

Death: Committed suicide by shooting himself while simultaneously biting into a cyanide capsule.

1. Josef Stalin
Identity: The Premier of the Soviet Union from 6 May 1941 to 5 March 1953 and also ‘General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s Central Committee’ from 1922 until his death in 1953.

Joseph Stalin

Brutality/Violence/Savagery/Ferocity: Believe it or not. Josef Stalin was actually worse than Hitler, whom until now we thought was the worst leader in history. Stalin was the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death in 1953, during which Ukraine suffered from a widespread famine. This famine which was caused by political and administrative decision rather than by some economic crisis is considered to be an act of genocide on the part of the government. Moreover, he ordered the execution of anyone who was considered as the enemy of the state. Around 10 to 60 million people lost their lives during his rule.

Death: Either assassinated or had stroke.

Ferocity of ancient egyptian rulers

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let’s study further and take lesson. The present day oppressive leaders and those who support them should know that punishment awaits for them in this earth and hereafter if they do not repent soon.

ALLAAH (SWT) has said in the Glorious Qur’aan:
“We will reserve the houses of the hereafter exclusively for those who do not seek self-glory in this life and do not cause oppression and corruption to spread. The final outcome belongs to those who fear (ALLAAH)” (Surah: Al-Qasas. Verse: 83).

Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
ALLAAH’s Apostle Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money (to compensate for wrong deeds), but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.” Volume 3, Book 43, Number 629: Sahih Bukhari.

ALLAAH (SWT) is saying in the Glorious Qur’aan:
“Has the story reached you of the hosts, Of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and Thamûd? Nay! The disbelievers (persisted) in denying (Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his Message of Islâmic Monotheism). And Allâh encompasses them from behind! (i.e. all their deeds are within His Knowledge, and He will requite them for their deed” (Surah:Al- Burooj. Verse: 17-20).

Scholar protesting the oppression of leaders

-End

Leadership in Islam – Ibn Qayyim

In the Name of Allaah, Full of Mercy, Ever-Merciful to His (Believing) Servants

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh. Below is an extract from a treatise named ‘Path to Guidance’. This is a book which the Shaikh, the Imaam, the ’Allaamah, the Shaikh of Islaam and the Muftee of the Muslims, Aboo ’Abdullaah Muhammad the son of Aboo Bakr – better known as Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah – may Allaah the Exalted have mercy upon him, sent to one of his brothers. The extract given below is a crucial contemporary issue. Please read carefully:

Leadership is a need in Islam

LEADERSHIP COMES BY PATIENCE AND CERTAINTY

(26) And He, free from all imperfections, has informed us that this leadership is obtained by patience (sabr) and certainty (yaqeen) for He, the Exalted said:

“And We made from among them, leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and believed with certainty in Our Signs”. [Soorah as-Sajdah (32):24]

Therefore, it is by patience and certainty that leadership in the religion is obtained.

(27) It is said that it is .Patience (in keeping) away from the world (by being occupied in worship),. and it is said, .Patience in the face of trials,. and it is also said, .Patience in keeping away from the forbidden things.. .However, what is correct is that leadership is obtained by patience in all of this, patience in fulfilling the obligatory duties of Allaah, patience in avoiding His prohibitions and patience
over the decrees (of Allaah).

(28) Allaah put both patience and certainty together since they are both (the source of) the happiness of the servant. Losing them both makes him lose his happiness. The heart is invaded by the various calamities of desires and lusts (shahawaat) which are in opposition to the command of Allaah, and also by the calamities of doubts which are in opposition to His goodness.

(29) Therefore, by patience, the desires and lusts are repelled and with certainty, the doubts are repelled. The desire (shahwah) and the doubt (shubhah) are in opposition to the religion from every single aspect. None will be saved from the punishment of Allaah except the one who repelled his desires with patience and his doubts with his certainty.

(30) This is why Allaah, free from all imperfection, informed about the loss and ruin of the actions of the people of doubts, lusts and desires:

“Like those before you, they were mightier than you in power, and more abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their portion awhile, so enjoy your portion awhile as those before you enjoyed their portion awhile …” [Soorah at-Taubah (9):69].

This enjoyment is their enjoyment of their share of lusts and desires, then He said:

“…And you indulged in play and pastime (and in telling lies against Allaah and His Messenger Muhammad) as they indulged in play and pastime…” [Soorah at-Taubah (9):69].

And this is arguing with falsehood about the religion of Allaah and it is the argument and fooling around of the people of doubts. Then He said:

“..Such are they whose deeds are in vain in this world and in the Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers”. [Soorah at- Taubah (9):69].

(31) So Allaah, free from all imperfections, attached the wastage and ruin of ones actions and loss with the following of desires, which is taking enjoyment from one’s share of desires, and with the following of doubts, which is arguing by falsehood.

Virtues of a Muslim Leader

LEADERSHIP IS ALSO BY CALLING TO ALLAAH WITH WHAT HE HAS COMMANDED

(32) Just as He, free from all imperfections, has linked leadership in the religion with patience and certainty, the aayah’ also contains two further principles:

(i) The first: Calling to Allaah and to the guidance of His creation.

(ii) The second: Guiding them with what He has commanded, upon the tongue of His Messenger, not what is demanded by their intellects, opinions, political manoeuvres, tastes and the blind-following of their predecessors, without any proof from Allaah. Because He said:

“… giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient …” [Soorah as-Sajdah (32):24].

:The End

A Short Dialogue on ‘Muslim Unity’

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullah. I replied to one of my friends’ article containing commentaries of some Hadiths which involve the matter of ‘Unity’ among Muslims. The reply contains my views on Muslim Unity in a nutshell. Please read:

Assalamu A’laikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Baraqatuh dost. Thank you very much for sharing the article here. Dost, I am very happy that you have posted this article for the matter of Unity among Muslims is one the most pressing matters that I feel so and thanks to ALLAH, your article has given me the option to share my views on it.

Muslim Nation Is One Nation

Dost, the important thing for us is to know that we are MUSLIMS not SALAFI or WAHABI or SUNNI or SUFI or SHIA or Nakhshabandh or Qaderi or whatever. It is because our only identity is ‘Muslims’ as ALLAH (SWT) has said in the Glorious Qur’aan: “ALLAH named you “Muslims” before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people”. (Surah: Hajj. Verse: 78).

Now dost, we should find out and work for Unity among ourselves, for whenever we get scattered and blame ourselves, Satan gets happy. Unity is Fard (obligatory) upon Muslims, as ALLAH has said in the Glorious Qur’aan: “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of ALLAH, and be not divided among yourselves” (Surah: Aal-I-Imraan. Verse: 103).

And, dost, even if we consider that East means Najd, it does not necessarily mean that all the people we have living in Najd are bad for we have almost all the Muhajiroons (the Companions of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who migrated from Makkah to Madina) from Makkah. Further, if we consider West as Hijaz, it does not necessarily mean that all those living in Hijaz are good for people like Abdullah bin Ubai (the leader of munafiqoons (hypocrites)) and Kaab bin Ashraf (the poet and chief of a jewish tribe who mocked and insulted and criticised Rasoolallah (PBUH)) were from Madina.

And Hold Fast To The Rope Of ALLAH and Do Not Get Divided (Al-Qur’aan)

Dost, it was narrated from Mu’aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood among us and said: “Those who came before you of the people of the Book split into seventy-two sects, and this ummah will split into seventy-three: seventy-two in Hell and one in Paradise, and that is the jamaa’ah (main body of Muslims).” (Narrated by Abu Dawood (4597) and others; classed as saheeh by al-Haakim (1/128), who said: it is an important hadeeth that represents a basic principle. It was classed as hasan by Ibn Hajar in Takhreej al-Kashshaaf (63). It was classed as saheeh by Ibn Taymiyah in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (3/345), al-Shaatibi in al-I’tisaam (1/430), and al-‘Iraaqi in Takhreej al-Ihya’ (9/133). It is mentioned frequently and often quoted as evidence by the scholars in the books of Sunnah, and it was narrated from a number of the Sahaabah via many isnaads, most of the soundest of which specify the number of sects as being seventy-three).

Therefore, dost, we should strive to be within the saved sect that will go to paradise. If we fall short we may end up as being within the seventy-two sects of hellfire. Surely, dividing among ourselves is the reason for these seventy-two sects. We should, therefore, be Muslims and ask ALLAH for proper guidance and help because ALLAH is the ONE who only can guide us to the straight path.

Muslim Unity

Dost, I appreciate your every endeavours for the dissemination of knowledge about ISLAM. May ALLAH bless you. Jazak ALLAHU Khair. I also know the limitation of my knowledge. May ALLAH purify my intention and forgive me for my shortcomings in knowledge and for anything which is ostentatious. May ALLAH forgive our sins, accept our deeds and grant us Jannatul Firdous. May we be among those who are saved, have lived and died for the cause of ISLAM and for getting the pleasures of ALLAH. Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh.

Muslims-Unite-Right-Now

A Short Dialogue Regarding Celebrating ‘Pohela Boishakh’ (Bengali New Year) as ‘festival of life’

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh. One of my students asked me to clarify a view of mine regarding ‘Pohela Boishakh’ which I posted on my wall on 14th April (the day of ‘Pohela Boishakh’). I clarified my views on the fact that why I do not consider’ pohela boishakh’ a ‘festival of life’. However, I put my views and the dialogue between me and him with my reply containing clarification below. Please read (just read the English Portion if you do not understand Bengali):

My views: আসসালামু আলাইকুম। শুরুতেই বলতে চাই, পহেলা বৈশাখ আমাদের মাঝে সীমিত সংখ্যক মানুষের জন্য আনন্দের উৎস বটে কিন্তু ‘প্রাণের উৎসব’ সেই তুলনাই খুবই কম মানুষের জন্য। পহেলা বৈশাখকে কেন্দ্র করে যে উন্মাদনা চারিদিকে ছড়িয়ে পরেছে তার সিংহ ভাগ কৃতিত্ব মিডিয়ার প্রাপ্য। শুধুমাত্র গরিবের খাবার নিয়ে উপহাস নয় বরং আরও অনেক অনেক সুদূরপ্রসারী পরিকল্পনার এক চিলতে নজির এই আগ্রাসন। আমাদের উপলদ্ধি করতে হবে যে আমাদেরকে আমাদের নিজেদের প্রবৃত্তির কাছে আত্মসমর্পণ করানোর মাধ্যমে হোক কিংবা জোরপূর্বক হোক, শয়তান তার উদ্দেশ্য অর্জনের ক্ষেত্রে বিন্দুমাত্র আলসেমি প্রদর্শন করবে না, কারণ আল্লাহ রাব্বুল আ’লামীন বলছেনঃ
‘নিশ্চয় শয়তান মানুষের প্রকাশ্য শত্রু’ (সুরাঃ ইউসুফ। আয়াতঃ ৫)।

লৌকিকতার দরুন নতুন কিছুর আমদানি, যা কিনা শয়তানের প্রদত্ত ফাঁদ গুলোর মধ্যে লোভনীয়, কোন মতেই আনন্দের উৎস হতে পারে না। যা কিছু ইসলাম পছন্দ করে তাতেই শয়তানের আপত্তি আর শয়তানের আপত্তির কাছে পরাজিত না হয়ে আমাদের উচিত সমস্ত লৌকিকতাকে বিদায় জানানো। আমাদের নতুন কোন সুধা আবৃত বিষের প্রয়োজন নেই কারণ আল্লাহ তা’আলা বলছেনঃ
‘আজ আমি তোমাদের জন্য তোমাদের দীনকে পরিপূর্ণ করে দিয়েছি, আমার নিয়ামত তোমাদের প্রতি সম্পূর্ণ করেছি এবং তোমাদের জন্য ইসলামকে তোমাদের দীন হিসেবে গ্রহণ করে নিয়েছি’ (সুরাঃ আল-মায়িদা। আয়াতঃ ৩)।
আল্লাহ আমাদের উত্তম প্রতিদান দিন। আল্লাহ আমাদের ক্ষমা করুন আর আমাদের উপর উনার রহমত নাযিল করুন। আমীন।

My Student’s query: আসসালামু আলাইকুম স্যার।
“পহেলা বৈশাখ আমাদের মাঝে সীমিত সংখ্যক মানুষের জন্য আনন্দের উৎস বটে কিন্তু ‘প্রাণের উৎসব’ সেই তুলনাই খুবই কম মানুষের জন্য।”—এই লাইনটা ব্যাখ্যা করলে ভালো হয়।
‘পহেলা বৈশাখ’ বাঙ্গালির হাজার বছরের সংস্কৃতি, যেটি বাঙ্গালির প্রাণের উৎসব। এই পহেলা বৈশাখকে কেন্দ্র করে কোন ধরনের উন্মাদনার কথা বলেছেন তা ধরতে পারিনি। ব্যাখ্যা করলে ভালো হয়।
আর গরিবের খাবার তথা পান্তা ইলিশ দিয়ে ভোজন পর্ব সাড়ার বিপক্ষে আমি। কারণ একদিনের বাঙালি সাজার কোনো মানে হয় না

Our Lord is ALLAH and Only HIS Orders Will Prevail

My Reply to my student’s query: Wa A’laikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh Dear Hasan Ali. Sorry for typing again in English as I have found it time consuming till now to type in Bengali and hope, Inshallah, Will cope with it soon. The interpretation of the line is as follows: Pohela Boishakh is a source of joy for limited amount of people in our country because out of 150 Million people (minimum) we have a very handful of people outside the metropolitan cities who are to enjoy this occasion. This is very apparent since at the same time we have people suffering from disasters both natural and unnatural. When we have maximum people around us living below the poverty line who are targeted malevolently by those corrupted to say the least and on top of it when the minimum privileged are also having sorts of troubles how can we have more than limited person to take the Pohela Boishakh none but a source of joy? Regarding ‘praner utshob’ which literally means ‘a festival of life’, such a poetic insight can only be nurtured even in a very very few people. Now, Hasan Ali, Media (especially those with an ulterior but supreme intent) project this in such a way, only, yes, only to serve ‘someone’s’ interest. And, that someone is none but the ‘satan’ and the ‘mouthpieces of satan’. It can be that ‘Pohela Boishakh’ is a culture of ‘thousand’ years but the ‘unmadona’ or ‘madness’ is nothing, as we all know, but the extreme musical phenomenon, drawing animals and creating imitation or depiction or statue or whatever of the same and of human being. Can this be ignored that all these are categorically specified as the weapons in the arsenal of satan in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? Finally dear Hasan Ali, speaking from the point of ISLAM (and why not? since it is THE path for mankind), if we associate ourselves with the evil aspects of the ‘Pohela Boishakh’ as stated above, surely we will be at loss for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood). This is a serious warning. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-‘Aas (RA) said: Whoever lives in the land of the mushrikeen and celebrates their Nawrooz (New Year) and their Mahrajaan (festivals), and imitates them until he dies, he will be a loser on the Day of Resurrection. Surely, we do not want to imitate the evil aspects of the ‘Pohela Boishakh’ for we do not want to be an ally of Satan.

Finally, dear Hasan Ali, my request to you is that to avoid the evil aspects of ‘Pohela Boishakh’ maintaining your dignity for ALLAH (SWT) has said about his obedient servant in the Glorious Qur’aan: “And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass it by with dignity” [al-Furqaan 25:72].

May ALLAH forgive our sins and accept our deeds and bless us for if it is not for ALLAH’s blessings, our deeds alone will not avail us to attain Paradise. Jazak ALLAHU khair. Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh

There is no option for innovating new things into Islam

And This is Islam

A Short Dialogue Regarding the Obligation of Face Veil

Assalamu A’laikum. One of my Students asked me about face veil that whether it is obligatory or not. I replied her in the following way. Please read:

Assalamu A’laikum Mashiat. Thank you very much for joining Islam Inside. Well, regarding your question about Face Covering, my answer is that there are differences in opinions regarding the fact that whether face covering is obligatory in Islam or not. However, I would like to start with the great muhaddith (scholar of Hadith) of the last century ‘Sheikh Nasiruddin Albaani’ who had great contribution towards the compilation and classification of authentic and fabricated Hadith. Sheikh Nasiruddin Albaani was of the view that face veil or covering the face is not obligatory in Islam (pages 5–20 of the introduction of his book ‘Jilbaab al-maar’ah al muslimah, 3rd Edition, 1996, al maktabah al islamiyyah; Translated into English by Dr. Abu Aminah Billal Phillips with the title ‘The Face Veil’). Same was the opinion of the companion of the Prophet Ibn Abbas (RA) who was also the leading commentator of the Quraan (page 2 of ‘The Face Veil’) who says that women should bring their ‘Jilbaab (Dress) Close to her face without covering it. Commentators like Al Qurtubi and Ibn Katheer were also of the same view. Now, on the other hand, we have present day scholars like ‘Sheikh Muhammad S Al Munajjid’, a leading Faqih (Islamic Jurist) who is of the view that covering face is ‘obligatory’(Reference: http://islamqa.com/en/ref/21536). In support of his claim he has brought the views of the two founder of two canonical schools of Islam, namely Imam Maalik and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. He also has brought the view of the great Scholar ‘Ibn Taymiyyah’ in support of his claim (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 22/110). So, we have two contradictory views in this regard. The main contradiction among these opposing views is whether one should lower her Jilbaab (dress) from her head over her face or not. For both views there remains numerous logic. Now, if you ask me, which one is the correct one, then my conscious only allows me to go for both as I consider myself naive in interpreting further at this moment. However, I can offer you one solution. That to rely on ALLAH and to ask HIM for guidance in this regard. You can decide on one of the two options and then put your Trust on ALLAH or can pray to ALLAH through the Salah of Istikharah as showed by our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I hope Mashiat, Inshallah, You will be guided to the right path If ALLAH wants, in this way. Our only Intention is to get the Pleasures of ALLAH and our only duty is to worship HIM. May ALLAH guide us to the straight path and forgive us for our limitations in Knowledge. Jazak ALLAHU Khair. Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh.

May ALLAH Grants our Sisters Patience for Covering

@Abesh and Mashiat, So far I have understood the matter of ‘national security’, it is that the people who are saying face veil is obligatory is to ‘undermine’ Islam. They tend to say that it can threaten the national security and thereby putting national security above the regulation of Islaam and undermining Islam by saying that Islam does not support the idea of ‘national security’. Well, my answer to such claim is that, from a theological viewpoint, there remains opposite views regarding covering face. However, as Abesh rightly puts it, even if a girl covers her face, we can avail female guards to check her. And, in modern era, there remains no problem in finding out other viable solution to check a girl covering her face by not offending her religious feelings. Now, the problem with those, who try to undermine Islaam, is nothing but the fact that they are following the whispering of Satan. They tend to sacrifice even the fundamentals of Islam under the guise of lame excuses like ‘national security’ or ‘modernism’ etc. They even take the shield of relativism. It’s like wearing bikini when in the beach and wearing hijaab when among the Muslims. We, the Muslims, should understand that, relativism must not compromise the basic tenets of faith and the obligations of Islaam. If, anything can be compromised, then there are rulings on it in either in the Qur’aan or Hadith or among the consensus of those who are rightly guided. May ALLAH forgive us and guide us to the straight path. JazakumULLAHU khair.

Veiling Liberates Our Sisters

Meditation in Islam: A misguidance and wrong conception.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Assalamu A’laikum. One of my students asked me about ‘Meditation in ISLAM’ and I replied her in written form. In short, this meditation thing, the way people put it under the banner of ISLAM, is misguiding. However, I have put my reply to her below for you to understand the reality behind ‘Meditation in ISLAM’. Please read:

“In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

Wa A’laikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh Abesh. All praise be to ALLAH. The Lord of The World. We only Worship HIM and turn to HIM for Help.

Dear Abesh, I went to the link and read it. In my view, there are some grave mistakes in the article and they are tremendously misguiding. Well, let me find them out for you:

1) In the link, they have mentioned that ‘People Relate’ that Muhammad (PBUH) used to go to Mount Hira for Meditation. Well, so far I know, there is no authentic Hadith that Muhammad (PBUH) used to meditate in Mount Hira and Only ALLAH knows it. We must not accept ‘what people say’ about Muhammad (PBUH) for any falsity will be a fabrication and we will sure be losers in that case.

2) For the sake of argument, even if we accept that he used to meditate, but after became a Prophet and the ruling regarding Salah (Prayer) came he did not go to Mount Hira nor did anything like meditation. So, Salah is the ruling for us not Meditation.

3) Now, the article says ‘Without meditation, we can be carried along by various influences without ever contemplating anything’. Who said that? Neither ALLAH in the Qur’aan or Rasoolallah (PBUH) in the Hadith. Rather Qur’aan says in the last Ruqu of Surah Aal-e-Imraan: The pleasure of this Earth and Luxury of The Non-believers are the cause of our distraction. So it is the luxury enjoyed by non-believers not lack of meditation that distracts us from our way of life which is only and only to worship ALLAH.

4) The article also says ‘Without meditation, Jihad Akbar (struggle against the self’s temptations to make wrong choices) cannot truly take place except in a most haphazard manner’. It is a sheer false thing to say that to struggle against the self temptation is ‘Jihad Akbar’. The Hadith which tends to say this was termed as fabricated by Imam Ibn-Qayyim and Ibn-Hajr and almost all the pious predecessors and scholars. How can Struggling against the self temptation be the ‘great Jihad (Jihad Akbar) when ALLAH says in the Qur’aan: Jihâd (fighting in Allâh’s Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but you do not know.(Al Baqara: Verse 216). So dear Abesh, it is Jihad against the non-believers, hypocrites, pagans is Jihad Akbar, not struggling with oneself. And, there is no sound reason or an iota of truth in saying that without meditation Jihad Akbar or Jihad cannot truly take place for Meditation is not a precondition for Jihad.

ISLAM IS THE WAY OF LIFE

5) If one thinks that Meditation helps a person to perform Salat with increased concentration like the article says, then one must understand that Rasoolallah (PBUH) would have guided us to do the same. Since, we get nothing like this in his Hadith, therefore, this would be a kind of innovation. Rasolallah (PBUH) says in an authentic Hadith: ‘Every Innovation is a misguidance and every misguidance will be thrown to Hellfire’.

6) A very alarming and dangerous fact is that meditation is basically a pagan practice as apparent from below:”Meditation is the oldest self-help technique available to human beings, offering detailed mental and physical plans carefully designed to bring the mind under critical observation and control to achieve harmony and dynamic health. The discipline of meditation is over 5000 years old, and can be traced back to ancient India. Following the introduction of modern Quantum Mechanics into scientific discourse, our concept of reality has changed most radically. The science of Quantum Mechanics now concurs with the ancient wisdom of Hindu Vedanta philosophy, in the observation that the sense-bound intellect alone is simply inadequate for experiencing the ultimate condition of reality. We also need to use our deep inner perception of unity through a holistic mind-body connection in order to experience the ultimate reality. We can experience such reality only when we are able to commune within at a deeper level of consciousness, where the subject, the observer — and the object, the observed — become one perception”.(Reference: http://www.centralyoga.org/quantum.htm).

7) So if this meditation is a pagan practice a practice of those who associate partners with ALLAH, how come we follow this Abesh? Do you want to know how this practice invaded unfortunately among the domain of muslims then read this :”Nirvana” is a Sanskrit term meaning “blown out” referring to the extinction of all worldly desires, or salvation. Though the term originated in Vedantic (Bhagavad-Gita and the Vedas) it is most often associated with Buddhism. In Hinayana Buddhism the term is equated with extinction while in Mahayana Buddhism it is a state of bliss. In this state, according to a branch of Buddhist thought, the ego disappears and the human soul and consciousness are extinguished. This concept also forms the core of a philosophy known as “mysticism”. Mysticism is defined as an experience of union with God and the belief that man’s main goal lies in seeking that union. The origins of mysticism can be found in the writings of ancient Greek philosophers…The mystic tradition began to find expression among Muslims from about 8th century CE, a century after the borders of the Islamic state had expanded to include Egypt and Syria and its major centers of monasticism. A group of Muslims who were not satisfied with what the Sharee’ah (Islamic Law) had to offer, developed a parallel system which they named the Tareeqah (the way). Just as the ultimate goal of the Hindu was unity with the world soul and of the Christian mystic union with God; the ultimate goal of this movement became Fanaa, the dissolution of the ego, and Wusool the meeting and unification of the human soul with Allaah in this life.

A series of preliminary stages and states which had to be attained were defined. They were called Maqaamaat (stations) and Haalaat (states). A system of spiritual exercises was also designed for the initiate in order to bring about this “meeting.” These exercises of “Dhikr” often involved head and body movements and sometimes even dance, as in the case of whirling dervishes” (Reference: Fundamental of Tawheed by Dr Abu Aminah Bilal Philips: p-160-162).

8) Dear Abesh, I am so concerned about this meditation thing, because once I too was a fan of this thing and now I have found the falsity and misguidance among it. In the name of meditation and using Islam as a shield, some people have started some courses that attack the foundation of ISLAM which is ‘Imaan (faith)’.

I hope that I can explain you more face to face. For the time being this should be enough. I am only a small creature of ALLAH and I too can make mistakes. May ALLAH purify my intentions only for the sake of HIS Pleasure and accept my deed and forgive me for anything that displays something which is ostentatious.

May ALLAH forgive us and guide us to the straight path.

Jazak ALLAHU khair.

Munim

THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH

The Law of Islam: Key Issues (Issue 1)

Islamic Law: The Law of ALLAH

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu A’laikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Baraqatuh. Now a days, there are misconceptions than ever about the Law of Islam or simply known as Shariah. Clearing the doubts about Shariah is a matter of empirical research and Ofcourse ALLAH’s blessings has to be there as well. However, I have decided to mention the key issues in this series titled as ‘The Law of Islam: Key Issues’. The 1st Issue below of this series is and excerpt taken from the book ‘ALLAH’s Governance on Earth’. I found this issue (i.e. Relationship between the governance of ALLAH and the Ruler on Earth) so relevant, concise and informative and decided to put it as the 1st issue of this series. I hope that this will get your attention. Here it goes:

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNANCE OF ALLAH (SWT) AND THE RULER ON EARTH

As we know, Allah (SWT) ordered Adam (AS) to control Earth and He (SWT) sent a Shari`ah to be applied on each nation by one of His (SWT) Messengers (PBUT) who was sent by His (SWT) order, as He (SWT) mentioned,

ثم جعلناك على شريعة من الأمر فاتبعها و لا تتبع أهواء الذين لا يعلمون

“Then, We put you on a Shari`ah from the whole order. So follow it and do not follow the desires of those who do not know.”[1]

In all of His wisdom, Allah (SWT) did not entrust an individual other than a prophet to supervise or implement His (SWT) Shari`ah. Thus after the demise of all of the prophets, who were infallible, it became incumbent upon everyone to rule by the Shari`ah as a group. Those ruling the group are called the people who have the right to rule. This is why Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an did not ask creation to obey a ruler alone for the sake of Himself (SWT).

He (SWT) said,

يا أيها الذين أمنوا أطيعوا الله و أطيعوا الرسول و أولى الأمر منكم

“O you who believe! Obey Allah, Obey the Messenger and those in authority from amongst you…” [2]

Allah (SWT) mentioned a group of people entrusted with the Shari`ah, not just the ruler. Allah (SWT) did not say, “and the ruler among you.” He said, “THOSE in authority from amongst you.” He also said,

إنا أنزلنا التوراة فيها هدى و نور يحكم بها النبيون الذين أسلموا للذين هادوا و الربانيون و الأحبار بما

“Truly, We sent down the Torah, therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to the will of Allah, judged the Jews, as well as the righteous scholars and priests of the law.”[3]

Allah (SWT) went on to mention further in the ayah that the people of the Gospel were ordered to rule by their book. He didn’t say one person, but Allah (PBUH) entrusted the rule to PEOPLE, not to one PERSON in particular, because the infallibility of a people comes when they are a group, as the Messenger (PBUH) said,

إن الله تعالى لا يجمع أمتي على ضلالة و يد الله على الجماعة

“Truly, Allah Almighty will never unite my Ummah upon error and the hand of Allah is over the Jama`ah.”[4]

To return to the point, Allah (SWT) said, “Obey Allah, obey the Messenger.” Allah (PBUH) did not say obey those in authority among you. Allah (SWT) said, “and those in authority among you.” Allah (SWT) did not use the word obey as He (SWT) had in the previous two statements. The reason why Allah (SWT) merely put the word “and” is due to the fact that this would have attached infallibility and a source of guidance to those ruling. But those ruling do not have a source of guidance unless they follow those who the word “obey” was used with in the beginning of the ayah, Allah (SWT) first and the Messenger (PBUH) second. Thus Allah (SWT) is saying that you are only to obey those in authority when they are connected with the divine authorities. When they are not connected, due to the fact that they are not infallible, then no allegiance is due to them.

[1] Surat ulJaathiya, ayah 18

[2] Surat un-Nisaa’, ayah 59

[3] Surat ulMa’ida, ayah 44

[4] Narrated on the authority of Ibn `Umar in Imaam at-Tirmidhi. The hadith is also mentioned in Sunan Ibn Abi `Aasim, Tabaraani, Al-Haakim, alBaihaqi and in Mishkat with a good narration.

Shariah: The way to Justice

May ALLAH forgive us, bless us, accept our efforts and admit us in the highest station of Jannah, the Jannatul Firdous. Aameen!

Jazakumullahu Khair.